July 9th - Bike/Hike to Ousel Falls

Since Laurie was working today and Colin was still recovering from his strenuous camp, I decided to go for a bike ride. I tried to follow the Middle Fork trail all the way to the Mountain Village from the Meadow Village but the trail dead ended at a new road under construction. Bummer.

So I jumped onto the dirt road, found a paved road and went back down into the Meadow Village. Still feeling like I wanted to ride more, I rode up the Ousel Falls Road Trail a couple miles to the Ousel Falls Trailhead. I could have ridden on this trail to the falls but decided to lock up the bike and hike the 1.6 miles instead.

In 15 minutes I was at the falls, which I have been to several times now. It's always an enjoyable stroll along a perfectly manicured trail.

Ousel Falls from Above

Top of Falls

Without a doubt, the highlight of the hike was watching three water ousels play in the river. Actually, I think it was a mother teaching two chicks how to feed from the bottom of the river. I watched this incredible display for 15 or 20 minutes as the young ones would bounce up and down squeaking and cheering on mom as she dove under the rapids of the river over and over. Just amazing to see...

Water Ousels in South Fork of the West Fork of the Gallatin

Whitewater

After returning to the condo, we all tried to go to dinner (Laurie's last night) at the Bugaboo Cafe but it was closed for some reason. Instead, we ordered good pizza at the Blue Moon Bakery.

This morning (Tuesday), I drove Laurie to the airport at 4am (ouch!) for a 6am flight, then I crashed for more sleep after I returned.

Today, Colin and I may play tennis or play disc golf at Big Sky Resort. We'll see. He's eager for Uncle Jim to get here so he can do some proper flyfishing. I'm no help in that arena. Jim arrives tomorrow afternoon sometime.